Modern Delhi Wedding With The Bride In A Self-Designed Saree & No Regressive Rituals
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Love a couple who celebrate their love, their way! Sanjana and Arjun's wedding was a 2-day long event with those who matter to them, and it was an absolute hoot! The bride did everything her way- she did not spend a bomb on her outfits, designed her own bridal saree with her best friend, did not have a mehendi event since she's not a fan, and did away with the Kanyadaan- something that a lot of brides are choosing to do these days. She also did her own makeup for pre-wedding events, and we think she did a pretty good job! Special shoutout to Harisography for the fab photos!
Meet Sanjana and Arjun
We were set up by a very close common friend. He is Arjun’s friend from SRCC, and Sanjana’s friend from ISB.
Haldi
The functions began on 15th with a sundowner Haldi (which was more like Holi). We chose white/lavender/light pink/pale yellow as our colours which was colourful, yet subtle. We also had a live band playing classic English/Hindi songs. This was a band which we by chance landed up hearing on Christmas day last year when we had gone to one of our favorite bars in Delhi (Sidecar - which by the way is also the bar where we had our first date) and we absolutely fell in love with their work. The band performance was followed by dance performances by close family and friends, after which we continued to party with the DJ.
Wedding
On 16th, the Baraat started at 5 PM and went on for 3 long hours! They finally entered at 8 PM with a round of shots offered by the bride's cousins. I walked in a champagne-coloured saree and veil, with a white bouquet of flowers in my hand. Varmala and Pheras were done by 9:30 PM. There was no Vidaai.
After-Party
We changed out of our wedding clothes into pantsuits for the After Party which went on till 6 AM the next morning!
From The Bride:
The wedding took place on February 15 and 16, 2023. I did not want to wear traditional attire or spend excessively on outfits. No lehenga, not red/pink/white. So I chose to wear a champagne coloured saree and veil, which was designed by my best friend and I.
Since I do not like Mehendi, there was no Mehendi ceremony. I put a bit of mehendi the previous day and my best friend wrote my (late) mother’s name on my wrist. There was no pre-wedding shoot whatsoever, and I did not get professional makeup done on 1 out of 2 days. I did the makeup for the haldi myself with help from my friends!
We wanted 2 days of continuing partying, amid minimal, yet important traditions and ceremonies. Two days of partying with our closest friends and family. We did away with Kanyadaan and other regressive rituals. We wanted an open space, with earthy, rustic/boho themes which looked modern. This is why we chose white/green/brown as our theme colours for the main wedding. We didn’t want any drapes since we wanted an open sky and there were a lot of fairy lights!
Vendor Reviews
Venues:
Engagement - Qutub Golf Club
We had the engagement on the terrace in light winters, absolutely gorgeous with fairy lights.
Haldi - Farm in Chhatarpur
Our haldi took place on a family owned farm in Chhatarpur- it was beautiful and intimate.
Wedding - Amaara Farms
The wedding took place on Amaara Farms in Chhatarpur. The place has great landscaping, huge open space, also included a sound proof banquet for playing music beyond 10 PM.
Photography: Harisography
Absolutely amazing and talented team, captured candids so well. Extremely sweet and easy to work with. What sets them apart is the editing of their pictures and videos. There is an elegance, class and sophistication that we did not see in others.
Makeup Artist: Aarushi
Very very sweet, talented staff, she did “natural” makeup really well, and is very high on ethics (there was some confusion over timing, and we settled it very amicably. Would highly recommend to others).
Decor: Mamta Dua
Very creative, understood our brief immediately. Very easy to work with and the decor for all functions was on point. Would highly recommend them.
Groomwear: Line by Shamim
Shamim understands the Arjun's style aesthetics very well which involves mostly well-fitted classics (black for engagement, cream for the wedding) and have one quirky / refreshing color (light pink) for the sundowner to break the monotony.
Catering: Kwality
Arjun had been using Kwality over the years, but I did a taste test before finalising (I have a food handle and a discerning palette an was extra particular about the food - I am even exploring something of my own on the food side). The food was absolutely delicious. We curated the menu with new/creative dishes, along with crowd pleasers. We got so many compliments for the food; it didn’t taste like regular wedding food, but actually very good restaurant food.
Vendors: Bride: @basilandpestle | Venues: Qutub Golf Club (Engagement), Family's Farmhouse (Mehendi), Amaara Farms (Wedding) | Photography: Harisography | Makeup Artist: Aarushi | Decor: The Wedding Crowns | Bridal Outfits: Engagement - Anita Dongre , Haldi - House of Masaba (Green lehenga), Cedar and Pine (Lavender lehenga), Lunch: Punit Balana . Wedding saree - Self designed | Groomwear: Line by Shamim Khan |Bridal Jewellery: Family Heirlooms & Jewellery By Preeti Mohan | Catering: Kwality Caterers